Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Agents Facet
3. Organizations (hierarchy name)
4. organizations (groups)
5. associations
6. societies (associations)

Anotations

Scope note:

Religious or worldy communities of knights bound by rules of chivalry, with the main purpose of an ideal or charitable task. Originally these societies had a military and spiritual nature and members were elevated to nobility. Since the 18th century they became institutions for rewarding and acknowledging services to society.